Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, a Republican, is indicted by a New Orleans grand jury on criminal charges tied to allegations that she intimidated city officials. Multiple reports say the indictment includes 16 counts covering intimidation and malfeasance, following warning letters Murrill sent to eight New Orleans officials, including the mayor and the district attorney. The letters allegedly warned that the officials could face removal from their jobs because of their opposition to a GOP-backed law that reshapes local courts.
The legal dispute comes amid a broader political conflict between state Republicans and Democrats who lead New Orleans. One report says a former judge appointed as a special prosecutor confirmed the grand jury returned the indictment, describing it as now a criminal matter.
Additionally, Louisiana’s highest court issues a stay of the criminal proceedings in connection with the indictment, according to one outlet, which describes it as a new turn in an ongoing battle. Separately, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry pledges a swift pardon, asserting he plans to pardon Murrill as soon as permitted by law. The proceedings and potential impact remain subject to the court stay and the pardon process.
